HISTORIC VILLAGE OF VAL-JALBERT
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Built in 1901, the Val-Jalbert pulp mill produced 50 tonnes of mechanical pulp a day for papermaking, which was then exported to the United States and Europe. The pulp mill supported a population of 950. The village was considered highly advanced in terms of modernity, and compared to Boston in the USA in the 1920s, as it was equipped with town planning, fire hydrants, running water, sanitary facilities, electricity and forced-air heating. With growing demand for paper rather than pulp, and unable to modernize economically, the mill was forced to close in 1927. Dependent on the mill, the population gradually moved away. For almost 60 years, the houses that had once housed the workers' families lay abandoned, like a ghost village. Today, they're still authentic, but restored and alive with inhabitants in period costume. You can visit the disused mill, the convent-school and the general store. We recommend climbing to the top of the mountain via a 764-step staircase or by cable car (included in the entrance fee), to enjoy the view of the impressive 70-metre-high Ouiatchouan Falls and majestic Lac Saint-Jean. This nostalgic trip back in time is a real change of scenery. What's more, the site is truly superb. On-site catering services are available, as well as accommodation (camping, mini-chalets, renovated rooms in period houses and 14 new top-of-the-range homes overlooking Lac Saint-Jean). Although the history of Val-Jalbert ended in 1927 with the closure of the pulp mill, the former company village has become a must-see tourist destination in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region! In fact, it's an ideal destination for families. There's something for everyone: a lookout with glass floor at the heart of the waterfall, historical animation, cable car, hiking trails, La Dompe themed trail, immersive multi-sensory show, restaurant at the mill (local cuisine, vegetarian and gluten-free options available), café-terrace at the general store, convenience store at the campground, gift store, special events and more, not to mention winter programming. A must-see!
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Opening time and information on HISTORIC VILLAGE OF VAL-JALBERT
Open all year round. See website for opening times, prices and seasonal activities.
Owner's Message
Set in 1927, colorful characters will take you back in time to reveal the secrets of this authentic company village, with some forty original buildings.
Having celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2015, Val-Jalbert's Saint-Georges convent-school has stood the test of time, and remains one of the best-preserved buildings on the site.in Quebec, it is the only building still standing, a reminder of a time when educational institutions were built with four classrooms.
You'll be impressed by Ouiatchouan Falls, higher than Niagara Falls. Take the cable car to the top of the mountain for a breathtaking panorama.
on foot, GPS in hand or by trolleybus, take advantage of the new tour circuits, from the most classic to the most high-tech, and of the cultural and family activities that await you.
You'll be plunged into the heart of a mill steeped in history, thanks to our two large scale models with screens explaining how pulp was made in the past. To round things off, a unique and distinctive experience with breathtaking special effects awaits you in the pulper room! For nearly 20 minutes, workers, villagers and influential figures from the era tell their stories.
Enjoy a complete and unforgettable experience while staying with us in the heart of the village. Packages include a sumptuous room, table d'hôte dinner, breakfast, site visit and gratuities on meals.
We also have a campground and mini-chalets just a 2-minute walk from the village. Why not take full advantage of our beautiful and generous nature for a few days!
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Members' reviews on HISTORIC VILLAGE OF VAL-JALBERT
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
La propreté laissait à désirer; la cuvette des toilettes n'avait pas été correctement nettoyée. Un appel à la réception nous a permis d'avoir le passage d'un homme d'entretien et la promesse d'un arrangement. Le lendemain à la réception la dame était complètement à l'ouest, pas au courant du tout de notre mésaventure et répondait complètement à côté à nos sollicitations. Après quelques minutes de discussion lunaire, nous avons abandonné sans même recevoir une excuse. Pour le prix de la nuit, c'est vraiment une honte.
Nous avons néanmoins apprécié la découverte du site et la visite à la tombée de la nuit de plusieurs bâtiments. Un gros travail d'entretien et de rénovation a été effectué sur le site, et il est vraiment dépaysant et agréable de parcourir ce site qui semble hors du temps.
Nous avons séjourné dans une maison restaurée dont le décor moderne s’alliait à l’ambiance générale du village. Belle promenade informatique en bus et belles virées pédestres en solitaire pour s’imprégner d’histoire et de calme.
Le souper pris au Restaurant du Moulin fait partie des cinq meilleurs repas pris dans me 70 ans de vie.., le déjeuner (riche en fruits) était bienfaisant…, le service et la connaissance du menu de la part du personnel était « A+ ».
À suggérer aux amateurs d’histoire…, de calme…, de paysage…, d’air pure et surtout de gastronomie!